WorldCup2026 – Saka and Bellingham Approach Historic England Milestones in Tournament Opener
WorldCup2026 – England will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia with two of their brightest stars on the verge of reaching significant personal achievements. Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham are both closing in on 50 appearances for the senior national team, highlighting their rapid rise as key figures in England’s squad.
Saka Nears Exclusive England Achievement
Saka is expected to earn his 50th international cap if he takes part in England’s opening Group L fixture. At 24 years and 285 days old, the Arsenal winger would become only the fourth player in England men’s football history to reach the 50-cap mark before celebrating his 25th birthday.
The achievement would place him alongside Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling, who also reached the landmark at a younger age than most England internationals. Among that group, Rooney, Owen and Sterling achieved the milestone slightly earlier in their careers.
Since making his senior debut against Wales in October 2020, Saka has become one of England’s most dependable performers. Across his first 49 appearances, the team has recorded 29 victories, while he has contributed 14 goals. His international journey has already included appearances at two World Cups as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2020 and 2024.
Bellingham Set to Rewrite England Record Books
While Saka is on the verge of reaching a notable milestone, Bellingham could establish an even younger benchmark. The Real Madrid midfielder currently has 48 England appearances and is expected to surpass a long-standing national record if he features twice during the group stage.
Should he play in England’s matches against Croatia and Ghana, Bellingham would become the youngest player ever to reach 50 senior appearances for England. The current record belongs to Wayne Rooney, who reached the mark in April 2009 at the age of 23 years and 159 days.
Bellingham is projected to break that record at 22 years and 359 days old if he reaches his 50th cap during the Ghana encounter on June 23.
Another European Record Within Reach
The England midfielder could also achieve a wider continental milestone in the opening match. An appearance against Croatia would make him the youngest European footballer to participate in four major international tournaments, including FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.
The accomplishment would further underline Bellingham’s remarkable development since making his England debut in November 2020 as a teenager. Despite being only 22, he has already represented his country at three major tournaments and remains one of the most influential players in the squad.
Chasing a Winning Record
Bellingham is also moving closer to another England statistic linked to victories. The national side has won 32 of his first 48 appearances, a figure already comparable with several established England greats over a similar period.
A victory against Croatia would raise his tally to 33 wins from 49 matches. If England secure another success in what could become his 50th appearance, he would reach 34 wins.
Only Martin Peters, Steven Gerrard and Tom Finney recorded more victories during their first 50 England appearances, each finishing with 35 wins. With England aiming for a strong start at the World Cup, Bellingham has an opportunity to move closer to that prestigious benchmark while also adding another chapter to his rapidly growing international career.